Predator fish discovered in Kolkata; resembles like an alligator

A predator fish was discovered in Kolkata’s Subhas Sarovar lake has become a matter of concern for biodiversity experts and ecologists. The experts think that this species of fish can destroy local ecosystem and biodiversity.

Hindustan Times reported that a local angler, Shibu Mondol, caught a 3.5-feet long Alligator Gar – a fish that resembles an alligator with long sharp teeth and equally predatory instincts and sometimes known to attack humans – two months ago. Biodiversity experts, ecologists and anglers say the fish could kill almost every other fish in the lake. The prehistoric relatives of this mega fish inhabited many parts of the world, but today gars live only in North and Central America. Of the seven known species, the Alligator Gar is the largest.

Experts say that fish Alligator Gar and Crocodile fish are smuggled into the country to be reared in aquariums. But when the fish starts gaining size and kills other fish, owners often release them in the local water bodies. Going by the facts, the Alligator Gar can be considered as invasive species which has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health.